The Belles

jacqui_monet
February 15, 2019

Title: The Belles

Author: Dhonielle Clayton

Series: The Belles, number 1

Genre: YA/ Coming of Age/ Fantasy

Pages: 434

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Like any novel, the first few chapters took a couple of days to move through. The world created by Ms. Clayton is very detailed and because of the concept of it is so fresh and unique, it took a moment for me to find my bearings, get a good grasp on the rules and understand the lingo. But, honestly, it doesn’t take long to hit your stride.

The characters are well thought out and in a world where changing your entire out appearance and your demeanor can take place in an hour, no one is who they seem to be. The settings and their descriptions are so lush but in a way that distracts from the action.

I’m looking forward to getting my hands on the second book when it comes out and as it’s published by FreeForm (an imprint of Disney Books), I would love to see this on television in the future.

Ratings

Plot: 4/5          Characters: 4/5          Ease of Reading: 5/5

Bonus!

Join me on BookTube!

jacqui_monet
January 10, 2017

As you know, started my very own YouTube channel a couple of months ago and I now have several videos up for viewing! If you haven’t visited my channel, please do. It’s a great way to let me know what you’re reading and give me book suggestions as well! I am also open to topic suggestions. So, if you want to know my opinion on a particular book/author/literary topic be sure to send me a message or comment on a video.

 

See you on Book Tube!

cartoon

 

Author Q&A ~ Paige Parsons

jacqui_monet
December 28, 2016

qanda

Hey, Paige, thanks for joining me for today’s Author Q and A. Okay, Let’s jump right into it!

Hi Jacqui! Thank you so much for inviting me.

I read your first book Taking the Stage and as a theatre geek myself I loved reading about the backstage drama. What inspired you to write in this setting?

Well, I’ve been involved in and working in theatre since I was 2 years old. The last 20 years have been spent as a stage manager and I can tell you the stories I’ve collected could keep me in material for years??‼

And what about the spanking? I’ve never read a book that included an element like that. Where did that come from?

I honestly read my first discipline novel at about 13, but didn’t know it was a “thing”. I never heard of the term Spanko. I just knew I liked it. Years later I discovered something called fan fiction and read a bunch of spanking stories. I fell in love with the genre all over again.

What was the first book, that you can remember, that dealt those little love taps?

I can’t remember the name, but it was a Victorian story I found on my Nana’s bookshelf. She probably never realized it was on her open shelf and when I started reading I just knew I shouldn’t mention it???‼

This is your first novel. Can you share briefly what was that process like?

I got hit with an idea years ago and started working on it in bits and pieces. While I worked full time and stage managed I plowed away at the story page by page. I finally marshaled my courage and decided to submit my work to Blushing Books. I couldn’t be happier with the results.

Do you have any advice for fellow first time novelists?

Sit down and do it! Write, write, write. Study your craft and practice by writing. When you get it all out, take a deep breath and share it.

Ok, ok enough of all the serious stuff. What’s your favorite color?

Purple

Outside of romance, what is your favorite genre to read?

Mystery

If Taking the Stage was an ice cream flavor which would it be?

Jamoca Almond Fudge

What was your proudest moment when you were 5 years old?

Reading a 2nd grade book to my class

If you had a super power, what would it be?

Orbing… Just popping in and out of places.

I know that you are well traveled but, where would you visit that you haven’t already gone?

South Africa

What pizza topping do you hate?

Pineapple! Just why???

Alright now, one last question before we wrap it up. Are you working on anything that my friends and I can look forward to?

Yes, I have a new novella coming out in a Blushing anthology, for Valentines Day and another full length that’s almost done.

 

Thanks so much, Paige, for taking the time to answer a few of my questions! And to all of my friends out there, be sure to check back for more Author Q and A sessions in the coming months!